CYL Picks : Liz’s List

A welcome step back from the paranormals sweeping the world of YA, here’s an engrossing take on Henry VIII’s early life, told by the man himself.

When you read about his childhood as a target for assassination and a victim of his paranoid father Henry VII, it’s no wonder he turned into a single minded monster in search of an heir. Fantastic stuff!

2. … and in 2012 …

Montmaray 3 by Michelle Cooper (Random House Australia)

Still reeling from how perfect the first book in this trilogy was – A Brief History of Montmaray is a standout blend of history and family that has so much heart, eccentricity, jeopardy … you name it, it’s got the lot.

I’ve got the sequel, The FitzOsbornes in Exile on top of my Christmas reading pile. Can’t wait.

3.… also can’t wait for … The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Penguin)

Coming in January, it’s a totally absorbing story of two teens struggling with cancer – sounds heavy, but no way! They are the most interesting, genuine, prickly, unmawkish people you’d ever meet. No soppy death bed scenes here!